Portable parent unit for video baby monitor system

ABSTRACT

A video baby monitor system has a child unit and a receiver unit. The receiver unit has a housing assembly with a first section having a viewing surface and a second section. The first and second sections are movable relative to one another between an open position exposing the viewing surface and a closed position where the second section covers the viewing surface. A video screen is provided on the viewing surface of the first section. The first section can be moved from the closed position to the open position such that the video screen faces upward for viewing.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/789,816, which was filed onApr. 5, 2006, and which was entitled “Video Baby Monitor System.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present invention is generally directed to baby monitor systems, andmore particularly to a video baby monitor system with a portable parentunit.

2. Description of Related Art

Baby monitor systems are known in the art, including those that offervideo monitoring of a child. These systems typically have a child unitor multiple child units that plug into a wall and function on analternating current (AC) power supply. The parent unit or multipleparent units also most typically are plugged into a wall remote from thechild unit and operate on AC power. Many audio monitor systems are alsoknown in the art that operate in much the same way, other than offeringonly audio transmission capability.

A number of audio monitor systems (no video capability) have a directcurrent (DC) battery back-up for the child unit in the event of anelectrical power failure. The DC batteries can often last for severalhours or more because they are only drawing power for audio signaltransmission. There are known video transmitters that also can operateon back-up batteries. However, if AC power is lost such as during apower outage, video transmission continues when the child unit convertsto battery back-up. Products of this type may utilize infra red lightemitting diodes (IR LEDs) or other high power consumption components. Insuch a case, the battery life can be severely limited.

Known video monitor systems typically offer only two choices. One is toprovide no battery back-up at all in case of a power outage. Thus,during a power outage, the monitor system does not function andtransmits neither video nor audio information. The other is to providebattery back-up which continues transmitting both video and audioinformation, and thus continues to illuminate the IR LEDs or other highpower consumption video transmission components. The first option doesnot allow the caregiver to continue monitoring the child during a powerfailure. The second option allows the caregiver to continue monitoringduring a power failure, but the severely reduced battery life does notpermit monitoring on back-up batteries for very long.

Existing video monitor systems also typically employ a parent unitsimilar in design to other audio monitoring systems. The units aregenerally planar in configuration and typically house the video displayscreen, the sound lights, and the speaker in the front of the parentunit. These types of units are not particularly portable, even ifmarketed as such. This is because the units do not tend to work well,unless the unit is placed in a stationary position with the front panelpointing in the direction of the user. The front of the unit must bedirected at the user in order for the user to see the screen and heresounds emitted from the speaker. Additionally, the display screencontinually is exposed to the surrounding environment during transportand also during use and non-use. Thus, the display screen on the typicalparent unit is always susceptible to damage.

There are known video baby monitor systems pro vided with a relativelylarge liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The large LCD screen is apositive consumer feature because the parent can easily see and monitortheir child. However, these units are typically quite large as a resultof the planar screen design, the position of the LCD on the front of theunit, and the location of the speaker and battery compartment. Inaddition, some video systems are marketed as having parent units thatare portable because the parent unit is provided with a belt clip.However, with a standard parent unit design, the parent unit must beentirely removed from the user's belt in order for them to see thescreen and the sound lights, which are also on the front of the device.The parent units are typically also quite large because of theirconfiguration and, thus, can be cumbersome when worn on a person's belt.Thus, even when removed from the belt, the unit can be difficult tohandle. Also, a user can not view or monitor their child when the unitis being transported on their belt or pants pocket because the screenwould typically be facing their leg or facing outward from their leg.

Known infant or baby video monitor systems are offered with a number offeatures and functional parameters and thus have a number of settingsthat the user can adjust. A typical method of adjusting settings onexisting video baby monitor systems utilizes similar methods andcomponents employed on conventional audio monitor systems. In oneexample, a potentiometer-type switch or roller is provided to controland adjust volume or LCD screen brightness. In another example, a slideswitch is provided on the side or front of the unit to select theappropriate operation channel or transmission frequency. In a furtherexample, separate push buttons are provided on the unit housing to turnthe units on and off to turn the LCD screen on and off, and sometimes toadjust the screen brightness up or down. Adding more features to suchsystems might improve the overall function of a video monitor system.However, the added features likely will also results in adding morecomponents to the units and more actuators to the exterior housing ofthe units. The units can simply become more and more complicated tooperate and more complex and expensive to manufacture.

Another problem with known video baby monitor systems is in properlypositioning the child unit and it's camera within the baby's room.Positioning the unit can result in a compromise for the caregiver. Ifthe child unit is positioned to provide a full view of the crib, theinfant would typically only take up a small portion of the parent unitscreen. If the child unit is positioned closer to the crib to provide alarger image of the child on the parent unit screen, the infant mayultimately move out of the camera's viewing range. Thus, a parent wouldnot be able to see their child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of one example of a video baby monitorsystem with components constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the child unit of the system shownin FIG. 1 and depicted as having its back-up batteries replaced.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the child unit of the system shownin FIG. 1 and placed on its docking station.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from one side of the parent unit of thesystem shown in FIG. 1 and in an open position or configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the other side of the parent unitshown in FIG. 4 and in a closed position or configuration.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the parent unit of the system shownin FIG. 1 and is shown having its battery door removed.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the parent unit and the belt clip of thesystem shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the assembled belt clip and parent unitof FIG. 7 and shown being attached to a user's belt.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of one example of a parent unit and child unit ofthe system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting one example of a zoom in/zoom/outfeature for the system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachingsof the present invention.

FIGS. 11A-11F show one example of an on-screen display feature for thesystem shown in FIG. 1 and depict a zoom/in and zoom/out option inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows another example of an on-screen display feature for thesystem shown in FIG. 1 and depicting a speaker volume adjustment displayoption in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The video baby monitor system disclosed and described herein solves orimproves upon one or more of the above noted and other problems anddisadvantages with prior known video baby monitor systems. In oneexample, the disclosed system is configured so that the parent unit can,during an AC power failure, remain connected with the child unit andcontinue to receive audio of their child. In another example, a parentcan do so for a much longer period of time while running on back-upbatteries. In another example, the disclosed system employs a relativelylarge LCD screen so that the child can be easily seen by the user. Inthe disclosed system, the parent unit is rendered truly portable byreconfiguring the unit's housing, as well as the various components onthe unit, including the LCD screen. In a further example, the disclosedparent unit LCD screen is protected from damage when being transportedand/or when not in use.

In yet another example, the disclosed system presents various settingsand adjustment options to the user in a different way compared to priorknown systems. In one example, the LCD screen can display informationpertinent while the user sets or adjusts different parameters of thesystem. In another example, a multi-function button arrangement isprovided on the parent unit to scroll through different displayedoptions and to select and adjust settings for each option. The disclosedparent unit thus significantly reduces the complexity of the parent unithousing while improving its overall function and performance. In yetanother example, the disclosed system offers adjustable camera zoom andpan capability so that a caregiver select and change the image viewed onthe parent unit screen. Thus, the child unit can be placed in theenvironment of the child without compromise to the image displayed onthe parent unit.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 generally shows a video baby monitorsystem 20 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention. The disclosed monitor system 20 includes at least one nurseryor child unit 22 that picks up and transmits audio information and thatcaptures and transmits video information. The system 20 also includes atleast one receiver or parent unit 24 that receives the audio and videoinformation from the nursery unit 22. In one example, the parent andchild unit can be in direct communication with one another as is knownin the art.

As is known in the art, the units can normally run on AC power. Thesystem 20 can include one or more AC power adapters 26, one for each ofthe parent units 24 and the child units 22. As will be evident to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art, fewer or more than one parent unit 24and/or child unit 22 can be provided with the overall system 20 withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. There maybe instances where one aspect or feature disclosed herein would beequally suitable in a monitor system that employs more than one parentor child unit.

As is know in the art, a docking station or base 28 can also be providedwith the parent unit 24, the child unit 22, or both. As shown for thisexample in FIG. 1, the child unit 24 has such a docking station. Eachbase 28 can be configured to receive the appropriate unit and to connectvia the AC adapter 26 to an AC power source as is known. In thealternative, either or both of the parent and child units can beprovided with an AC adapter jack for direct coupling to the AC adapter26, if desired. As shown for this example in FIG. 1, the parent unit 24is provided with such an adapter jack 30 for directly connecting theunit to the AC adapter 26.

A rechargeable battery pack 32 can also be provided for either or bothof the parent and child units 24 and 22. If rechargeable batteries 32are used in either of the units, the base docking station 28 can be usedto recharge those batteries while the unit is docked. Alternatively,either or both of the parent and child units 24 and 22 in the disclosedexample can be configured to accept standard alkaline or otherdisposable DC batteries 34 (see FIG. 2). Use of DC batteries on theparent unit 24 can be particularly useful when a caregiver wishes tocarry the parent unit with them as they move about. Thus, there islikely a greater need to use rechargeable batteries 32 on the parentunit, which can be regularly recharged using the adapter 26 connected tothe jack 30.

In contrast, the child unit 22 is intended to typically stay in a staticlocation during use. Thus, the docking station 28 can be employed, thechild unit can be docked, and the station can be plugged into an ACpower source using the adapter 26. Under most circumstances the childunit 22 will operate on AC power. However, it will occasionally bedesirable to the caregiver that the child unit 22 continues to functionin the event of a loss of AC power. Thus, the child unit 22 may beprovided with a receptacle 36 for receiving back-up batteries as shownin FIG. 2. The child unit 22 may be more likely to be configured toaccept standard alkaline batteries 34, which can be retained in thebattery receptacle 36 in the unit and covered by a removable batterydoor (not shown), in the event of such an emergency. The batteries inthe child unit, however, can certainly be rechargeable if desired.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 20 can also incorporate a belt clip orattachment device 38. The device 38 can be configured to attach theparent unit 24 to an object, such as on a waist belt of a caregiver.Thus, the parent unit 24 in the disclosed example is intended to be aportable receiver that can be carried with a caregiver and yet functionas intended.

As shown in FIG. 1, the child unit 22 generally has an exterior housing60 with a lower portion 62 and an upper portion 64 that is coupled toand positioned on top of the lower portion. The child unit 22 in thisexample has a front surface 66 and includes an ON/OFF button 68positioned generally centrally in the front surface 66 of the lowerportion 62. In the disclosed example, a power light emitting diode (LED)70 is positioned on a portion of the button 68. The LED 70 indicateswhen illuminated that power is turned on for the unit. As will beevident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the position, shape,and orientation of the housing 60, button 68, and LED 70 can varyconsiderably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, the LED need not be on the button and both canbe placed virtually anywhere on the housing 60 of the child unit 22 asdesired.

The child unit 22 also has a microphone opening 72 on the front surface66 of the housing lower portion 62. A microphone is disposed behind theopening 72 in the housing 60. The opening 72 allows the microphone topick up sounds being emitted in the vicinity of the unit.

A video camera 74 is generically depicted in FIG. 1 as being housedwithin the upper portion 64 of the child unit housing. The video camera74 in the disclosed example has a camera lens 76 and a plurality ofinfrared light emitters 77, such as IR LEDs, that are exposed to thefront surface 66 in the housing. The video camera 74 can be adjustablerelative to the position of the housing 60 so that the camera lens 76can be aimed at an intended target. The IR emitters 77 can be providedto permit the camera to pick up images at night or in low ambient light.In one example, the child unit 22 can be provided with an ambient lightsensor 78 that is also exposed on a surface of the unit. The sensor 78can be configured to sense ambient light levels and/or to detect a lowambient light threshold. The child unit can be configured so that the IRemitters 77 are activated below the threshold level and deactivated whenambient light is above the threshold level. The camera 74 can operatenormally above the threshold level without the need for IR lighting.

In one example, the upper portion 64 of the housing is movable relativeto the lower portion 62. As depicted generally in FIG. 3 by the arrowsP1 and P2, the upper portion 64 can be rotated or swiveled either to theleft or right relative to the lower portion 62 and can be pivotedforward or rearward relative to the lower portion of the housing 60 aswell. Thus, in this example, the housing moves to accommodatepositioning and aiming of the video camera 74. In another example, thehousing 60 can be entirely stationary. The video camera itself can becoupled to a device or motor that is manipulated electronically todirect and aim the video camera 74.

The parent unit 24 in the disclosed example is illustrated in greaterdetail in FIGS. 4 and 5. In one aspect of the present invention, thedisclosed parent unit 24 has a two part housing assembly 80. The housingassembly has a first section or flip section 82 and a second or basesection 84. In the disclosed example, a hinge or joint 86 is positionedalong mating edges of the two sections 82 and 84. The flip section 82can be rotated or pivoted relative to the base section 84 to an openposition as shown in FIG. 4. The flip section 82 can also be pivoted orrotated to a closed position as depicted in FIG. 5. A conventionalantenna 88 is also provided on the housing assembly 80, and in thisexample extends from an edge of the base section that generallycoincides with the location of the pivot joint 86.

Referring to FIG. 4, the parent unit in the open position has a frontside defined in part by a viewing surface 100 disposed on one side ofthe flip section 82 and in part by a front surface 102 on a side of thebase section 84. Together the viewing surface 100 and the front surface102 face generally in the same direction with the housing assembly 80 inthe open position and define the unit's font surface. When the housingassembly 80 is pivoted to the closed position shown in FIG. 5, theviewing surface 100 and the front surface 102 of the two housingsections confront one another and lie adjacent on another. A displayscreen 104 is provided on the viewing surface 100 on the flip section 82in the disclosed example. The display screen can be any type of suitablescreen technology and in one example is an LCD screen. The LCD screen104 is visible with the unit in the open position. The LCD screen 104and sandwiched between, hidden, and protected within the housingassembly 80 in the closed position.

In one aspect of the present invention, the two part housing assembly 80permits the housing to be folded in half when not being used, when beingtransported, and there is no need to view the LCD screen 104 during use.As noted above, a large display screen is a desirable feature in a babymonitor system. The larger the screen, the better a parent or caregiveris able to see what is transpiring with their child being monitored. AnLCD screen provides an adequate picture for use in video baby monitors,but the larger the screen the better the images can be viewed in thistype of hand held unit environment. In conventional video monitors, allof the switches and buttons, the screen, the speaker, and other devicesassociated with the parent unit are provided on the front surface of thehousing. This either reduces the available space for the screen, thusrequiring a smaller screen size for a given housing size, or results ina larger housing. In the disclosed example, the housing assembly 80 canbe folded in half and thus be rendered more portable. The unit willessentially be half as large as a conventional parent unit videomonitor, except when opened. Thus, the disclosed unit can have arelatively large screen in proportion to the overall housing size. Thedisclosed unit can remain relatively small and highly portable and yethave a fairly large screen in comparison to conventional units. Unless acaregiver is actively viewing the LCD screen 104 and manipulating thefeatures of the unit, the disclosed parent unit 24 provides thisadvantage. The LCD screen 104 can take up an entire half of the housingassembly 80 and yet the housing can be rendered quite small and portablewhen folded. The base section 84 of the housing assembly 80 can beutilized for all of the features and functions necessary to operate theparent unit 24.

In another aspect of the present invention, the parent unit 24 includesa plurality of added beneficial features provided by the housingassembly 80 as depicted best in FIGS. 4-6. For example, the parent unit24 has a power ON/OFF button 106 that can turn the parent unit ON or OFFentirely. The button 106 is relatively small and provided on a side edge108 a of the base section 84 in this example. The AC adapter jack 30 isalso provided on the same side 108 a for connection to the AC adapter 26in the disclosed example. A video ON/OFF button 112 is provided on thefront surface 102 of the base housing section 84 and can be depressed toturn only the video LCD screen 1040N or OFF without powering down theentire parent unit. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill inthe art, the position, orientation, shape, and other aspects of thehousing assembly 80 and the ON/OFF button 106, the jack 30, and thevideo ON/OFF button 112 can vary and yet fall within the spirit andscope of the present invention.

In the disclosed example as shown in FIG. 6, a battery receptacle 114 ispositioned on the back side 116 of the base section 84 and covered by acover 118. The battery receptacle 114 is on the base section, which alsoleave more housing volume, i.e., the entire flip section 82, forcommitting a large LCD screen 104.

Each of the housing flip and base sections 82 and 84 has a free edge 120a and 120 b, respectively. The free edges 120 a and 120 b are oppositethe joined edges of the two sections 82 and 84 carrying the hinge 86 andin the disclosed example define an exposed end surface on the housingassembly 80. In the disclosed example, a connection light 122 and aplurality of sound lights of a light bar 124 are provided on the freeedge 120 a of the flip section 82. The connection light 122 and soundlight bar 124 can operate in a conventional manner and are located in anadvantageous position on the housing according to the invention.Specifically, the connection light 122 will illuminate in a mannerindicating to the caregiver that connection is made with the child unit22. In one example, the connection light 122 can be a dual-colorred/green LED. In another example, two different colored LED's can beplaced side-by-side, one being red and one being green, on the edge 120a. The connection light 122 can illuminate red when no connection existsbetween the parent and child units, and illuminate green when asatisfactory connection exists. Similarly, the sound light bar 124operates in a conventional manner but again is advantageously positionedon the edge 120 a in accordance with the invention. In one example, thelight bar 124 progressively illuminates to indicate the audio levelbeing picked up by the child unit 22. The more lights illuminated, thelouder the sound and the fewer lights illuminated the quieter the soundbeing picked up. Alternatively, the light bar 124 can illuminate in amanner that represents other characteristics of the sound beingmonitored, such as how frequently the baby makes a sound.

A pair of lights is provided on the free edge 120 b of the base section84 in this example. One of the lights is a battery level indicator light126 and the other of the lights is a battery charging status light 128.The presence or absence and the features of these two battery lights onthe disclosed parent unit 24 can vary considerably and yet fall withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention. If present, the batterylevel light 126 can be a dual-color LED or have two separate LEDs, onecolor being red and the other color green. In one example, the light 126can illuminate green when the batteries are sufficiently charged and redwhen the batteries are low and require recharging. Similarly, thebattery charge light 128 can also be a dual-color LED or incorporate twodifferent color LEDs. In the disclosed example, the battery charginglight 128 can illuminate red during a battery charging cycle andilluminate green when the battery charging cycle is completed and thebatteries 32 are fully charged. As will be evident to those havingordinary skill in the art, the level and charge lights 126 and 128 canalso be combined into a single function light or light combinationinstead of being provided as two separate indicators on the unit.

A speaker is also provided in the housing base section 84 and an opening130 is provided for the speaker in the free edge 120 b of the basesection. The speaker will emit sound through the speaker opening 130 sothat a caregiver can hear the audio transmission from the child unit 22.In the disclosed example, a pair of volume UP/DOWN buttons 132 a and 132b, respectively, are provided on the opposite side edge 108 b on thebase section 84. In this example, the caregiver can use the volumeUP/DOWN buttons to raise or lower the speaker volume level of the parentunit 24, depending upon their needs at a particular time.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the free edges 120 a and 120 a of thehousing sections 82 and 84 lie facing in the same direction when theunit is in the closed position. The connection light 122, light bar 124,battery level indicator 126, battery charge light 128, and speakeropening 130 are all facing in the same direction, positioned on theexposed edges 120 a and 120 b with unit 24 closed. Similarly, the volumeUP/DOWN buttons 132A and 132B and the power ON/OFF button are positionedon the side edges 108 b and 108 a of the base section and are alsoexposed when a unit closed. Thus, with the unit closed, a caregiver canstill view and ascertain the status of the battery, the status of thechild/parent unit connection, the intensity of sounds emitted from thespeaker. The caregiver can also turn the unit ON or OFF, adjust volumeUP or DOWN, listen to the speaker.

Yet another aspect of the invention is illustrated with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8. The belt clip 38 has a clip part 140 that includes jawswhich open downward to clip onto a wearer's belt 142. The belt clip 38also includes a receptacle bracket 144 coupled to the jaws and sized toreceive the base section 84 of the parent unit 24 as shown. Detents orrecesses 146 can be provided on the edges 108 a and 108 b of the basesection 84. Corresponding dimples or protrusions (not shown) can beprovided on the interior of the receptacle to assist in retaining theparent unit 24 in the belt clip 38 when installed. As shown in FIG. 8,when the parent unit 24 is attached to the belt clip 38 and belt clip isattached to a wearer's belt 142, the hinge or joint 86 is positioneddownward and the parent unit is positioned with the free edges 120 a and120 b of the housing assembly 80 facing upward. In this orientation, theparent unit 24 in the present example provides significant advantages tothe caregiver.

First, a caregiver need only look down to view and ascertain the batterystatus and see the light bar to determine the emitted sound intensity.The caregiver can also review the status of the connection between theparent unit 24 and child unit 22 simply by looking down at theconnection light 122 exposed on the free edge of the unit. The caregiverneed only reach down to turn the unit ON or OFF and to adjust thespeaker volume UP or DOWN. The caregiver need to nothing but listen forsounds emitted by the speaker, which is facing upward toward their ear.Neither the unit nor the belt clip need be removed to perform thesefunctions.

Second, with the hinge or joint 86 positioned at the bottom of theportable unit, the flip section 82 can be rotated outward while theparent unit 24 and belt clip 38 remain attached to the wearer's belt142. Thus, if the caregiver wishes to view the LCD screen 104 and seethe child being monitored, the caregiver need only rotate the flipsection outward to do so. Again, the caregiver need not remove thereceiver unit 24 from the belt clip 38 or the belt clip 38 from theirbelt 142 to see the LCD screen 104. Other optional features, settings,and adjustments can also be offered on the exposed parts of the housingassembly when closed and mounted in the belt clip 38.

Third, the speaker is on the edge of the unit 24 and not on the frontside. This leaves more housing volume available for placement of othercomponents, options, and features. This leaves still further availablespace for a larger LCD screen on the housing assembly 80.

Thus, the parent unit 24 in the disclosed example provides protectionfor the display screen when the housing 80 is in the closed position.The parent unit 24 also permits viewing the display screen when the unitis being transported without removing the unit from a belt clip. Thedisclosed parent unit also permits operating the unit and ascertainingfunctional parameters without having to remove the unit from the beltclip or other attachment device. Additionally, the parent unit 24 in thedisclosed example permits use of a larger LCD screen while maintaining arelatively small overall housing package rendering the parent unit trulyportable.

In an alternative example, the housing can be configured with two halvesthat linearly slide between the closed and open positions while stayingparallel to one another. The end surface or edge features noted abovewill be equally beneficial in such an arrangement. The sliding trackcould also be along a curved arc in which the on-belt viewing advantagewould also be achieved. The housing sections could also pivot about apoint while remaining parallel to one another and achieve one or more ofthe above-noted advantages and benefits.

In another aspect of the present invention, the disclosed monitor system20 employs a battery back-up system that utilizes less battery powerwhen operating on the back-up DC batteries. FIG. 9 is a simplifiedschematic depicting one example of the child unit 22 and the parent unit24 of the disclosed system 20. The child unit in this example has acamera 74 and IR light emitters 77 as discussed previously. The childunit 22 also employs a microphone 150 positioned adjacent the microphoneopening 72 described previously. The child unit 22 also employs atransmitter 152 that is capable of transmitting audio and video signals.The child unit 22 picks up sound through the microphone 150 andtransmits appropriate signals representative of the sound to the parentunit. The child unit also picks up video images through the camera 74and also transmits appropriate signals representative of the images tothe parent unit 24.

The parent unit 24 generally has a receiver 154 capable of receivingboth audio and video signals from the child unit 22. The receiver 154 iscoupled to a microprocessor 156. The microprocessor can perform manyfunctions, one of which is to separate the audio and video signalsreceived by the receiver 154. The microprocessor 156 sends the audiosignals to a speaker 158, which is positioned adjacent the speakeropening 130 in the housing 80. The microprocessor 156 can also send thevideo image signals to the LCD screen 104 of the parent unit 24. The LCDcan show images representative of the video signals.

As shown in FIG. 9, the child unit 22 also employs a plurality of IRemitters 77, such as LEDs, associated with the camera 74. The emitters77 are employed to illuminate a room when it is dark. The IR light isinvisible to humans, so a baby would not be disturbed while it issleeping. As noted previously, the IR emitters can be coupled to a lightsensor that can effect activation or deactivation depending upon ambientlight levels in the child's room. If the IR emitters are activated withhigher ambient light levels, the picture color could be affected. SuchIR emitters 77 consume significant power.

The child unit 22 includes a switch 160 associated with the transmitter152 in this example. The switch 160 is coupled to both the externalpower source 162 and the back-up batteries 34. The switch 160 can beconfigured to select which power source is to be used to operate thechild unit components. The child unit can optionally have its ownmicroprocessor 164 that can perform various functions relating to theaudio and video signals, the power supply, or other operationalparameters of the unit.

It is known that occasional AC power loss can occur. This happens duringstorms or other uncommon power outages. A conventional monitor systemwould either stop functioning completely or would switch over to abattery back-up, but still operate the video monitor components and weardown the batteries very quickly. In the disclosed monitor system 20, theswitch 160 is configured to immediately switch from AC power source upondetection of a power outage to the DC power source which functions asthe battery back-up in this example. The transmitter 152 (or optionallythe microprocessor 164) in the disclosed example can be configured todetect a change in the source of power. When the unit 22 detects that itis operating on back-up batteries 34, the transmitter 154 (or optionallythe microprocessor 164) immediately ceases all video transmissionfunction. The transmitter will cease sending image signals whenoperating on back-up batteries in the disclosed example. The transmitter(or optionally the microprocessor 164) can also disable the cameraand/or the night vision function by turning off the camera, the IRemitters 77, or both. The unit 22 can also be configured to cease allvideo image processing in the microprocessor 164, if one is provided onthe unit. Immediately ceasing some or all video functions willsignificantly reduce power consumption and thus increase battery lifefor the child unit 22 if a power outage occurs.

A caregiver may now notice that no video image can be viewed. This couldbe cause for concern. In the disclosed example, the child unittransmitter 152 is thus also configured to send a signal to the parentunit receiver 154. The parent unit microprocessor 156 in this example isconfigured to receive the signal indicating the change in power sourceat the child unit and emit and alert for the caregiver to recognize thechange. In one example, the alert can be an audible alarm or othersignal emitted from the speaker 158 that is recognizable to thecaregiver as an indication of a power outage at the child unit 22. Inanother example, the light bar 124 or battery lights 126 and 128 can beemployed either separately, instead or, or in conjunction with anaudible alert, to indicate to the caregiver that a power outage hasoccurred and that no video transmission is presently being sent. In afurther example, the video display screen 104 can be coupled to themicroprocessor in a manner that it can provide a visual indication tothe caregiver that the external power source or the AC power has beendisconnected or lost at the child unit 22 and that the child unit is nowoperating on battery back-up. Any combination of the lights, speakers,and screen can be utilized as in form of alert to the caregiver.

As shown in FIG. 9, the AC circuit 162 in the child unit 22 can beconfigured so that it operates on DC power using one of the AC poweradapters 26. The power adapter 26 converts the AC incoming power to DCpower for the incoming external power 162. Upon interruption of theexternal power source 162, such as loss of AC power to the adapter 26,the switch will change over to back-up power. The transmitter 154 willdetect a drop in DC power from the switch. Detecting the power reductionsignals the transmitter to immediately cease some or all videofunctions. In one example, the camera 74 can be left on since the cameraalone may not draw much power. Similarly, the microprocessor 164, ifprovided, can be configured to continue processing both audio and videodata, or to stop all video data functions. In a further example, theparent unit microprocessor can also be configured to cease processingall video data to conserve even more power. Back-up battery life can besignificantly increased using the disclosed system and method.

The system can be provided with a manual override option. This optioncan permit a caregiver to reinstate all video functions even if thechild unit is operating on back-up power. A switch 166 or other means toinitiate manual override can be provided on either of the units 22 or24.

In another aspect of the present invention, the monitor system 20 isconfigured so that the parent unit 24 can be used to control the size ofthe image viewable on the LCD screen 104. The parent unit 24 can be usedto zoom in, zoom out, or pan an image. In the disclosed example, thecamera and lens are of an inexpensive type wherein the lens has nomechanical zoom feature. Thus, the focal point of the camera 74 and lens76 is non-adjustable in this example. The zoom capability is created bydata and image information manipulation. The images captured by thecamera 74 and lens 76 are picked up by the transmitter 152 in the childunit and transmitted to the receiver 154 of the parent unit 24. In thisexample, it is possible to zoom in on a child, zoom out, or to pan sideto side or up and down. Since the camera and lens are incapable ofperforming these functions in the disclosed example, the image data mustbe manipulated to achieve these functions.

The camera 74 in the disclosed example can be a type that has arelatively wide field of view. Alternatively or additionally, once auser is familiar with the disclosed system 20, they can position thechild unit 22 and its camera 74 at an appropriate location in the baby'sroom to yield maximum field of view desired. The zoom and pan functionscan then be used to view portions or partial images of the full image.With that in mind, either the child unit 22 or the parent unit 24 in thedisclosed example is configured to perform the desired zoom and panfeatures. Either the microprocessor 164 in the child unit or themicroprocessor 156 in the parent unit can be configured with amathematical algorithm and programming that work with the available fullimage data received from the child unit. The microprocessor can beconfigured to select a subset of the full image data to produce andcreate a partial or zoom image using the data subset. That partial imagedata can then be delivered in a format to fit the entire LCD screen 104.

FIG. 10 shows one example of a process for achieving zoom and panfunctions in the disclosed baby monitor system. In one example, theparent unit 24 can send a command, initiated by the user, to the childunit 22 indicating selection of a zoom or pan function. The child unitprocessor 164 can perform the zoom function on the image data and thensend the processed data to the parent unit 24 for display on the screen.In such an example, the amount of data sent to the parent unit 24 can bethe same regardless of zoom state. In the disclosed example, the childunit microprocessor 164 (or optionally the parent unit processor 156)can be configured to perform frame-by-frame video adjustment using thealgorithm. Each frame can then be displayed frame-by-frame on the LCDscreen 104. Thus, the image can simulate an enlarged video image.

In this example, a selected fraction of the full image pixel informationtransmitted from the child unit 22 is selected and a partial image isgenerated based on the selected pixel subset. In the disclosed example,the camera 74 can be selected to have a much higher resolution than theresolution of the display screen 104. The processor selects a portion ofthe full image data and sends an image to the screen based on that data.Little or no loss in image quality will occur where the resolution ofthe partial image is still higher or equal to that of the screen.

A multi-function button arrangement 170 is depicted in FIG. 4 and isprovided on the front surface 102 of the housing base section 84. Themulti-function button arrangement 170 in this example includes a roundcentral selection button 172 surrounded by a pair of half-moon shapedtoggle or scroll buttons 174 and 176. As will be evident to those havingordinary skill in the art, the location, positioning, size, shape, andconfiguration of the button arrangement 170 can vary considerably andyet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Also, theparticular function of these buttons can also vary from that shown anddescribed herein. In the disclosed example, the central selection buttonis identified as the OK button 172 and the toggle or selection buttonsare identified as the UP or DOWN buttons 174, 176. However, the buttonsand their functions can vary from that of the disclosed example.

As will be described in greater detail below with respect to anotheraspect of the present invention, a user can locate and select the zoomfunction using the OK button 172. Once the zoom mode is selected, thescroll buttons 174 and 176 can be used to choose from a plurality ofselectable pan and zoom regions of the maximum viewable image (see FIG.11E). Using the buttons 170, 172, and 174, the user can elect to zoom inat the view center of the normal video screen image. Alternatively, auser can select to pan to one of a plurality of quadrants or regionswithin the maximum viewable image and zoom in on that selected region.In FIG. 11E, there are four such quadrants aside from zooming in on theview center. The quadrants in this example essentially divide theviewing area into four equal off-center components and a center region.In one example of the present invention, a user can also select usingthe scroll buttons 174 and 176 the degree in which to zoom in on animage within a selected quadrant using the scroll buttons 174 and 176.Once a quadrant and degree of zoom is selected by a user, themicroprocessor will select the appropriate pixel information for thatquadrant and enlarge the view of only that selected information to fitthe LCD screen. That information will then be sent to the LCD screen 104and the images shown for viewing.

In the disclosed example, a user can select a view centered image or adiagonally panned image from the four corner quadrants of the fullimage. The options shown herein are for images panned left and up, leftand down, right and up, or right and down relative to the view center ofthe full image. In an alternative example, more or fewer zoom and/or panoptions can be provided. Options for panning left and right only, up anddown only, or other combinations can also be provided.

The zoom function can certainly be achieved in other alternative ways.For example, a more expensive camera and lens assembly can be employedin the child unit 22. The lens can be configured with mechanical zoomcapability. The camera and lens can be equipped with appropriate motorcontrols to move the lens to zoom in or out. The child unit 22 can alsoemploy the appropriate motor controls to pan up, down, left, or right.This can be done by moving the entire camera or by moving the entireupper portion 64 of the housing 60 to direct the camera in theappropriate pan direction. In such an example, the parent unit 24 can beprovided with a remote control signal device that is coupled to themicroprocessor 156. Using the multi-function button arrangement 170, theuser can select the pan direction and amount as well as the zoom amount.The microprocessor can transmit the selected information to a parentunit transmitter, which then can send an RF or other appropriate signalto the child unit motion control devices to manipulate the camera and/orthe housing. In one example, the child unit could also incorporate areceiver to receive the transmitted zoom and pan signal information fromthe parent unit. In another example, the camera and housing can employseparate devices that directly receive the signals transmitted from theparent unit. These direct zoom examples would be more complex andexpensive, but would be capable of a wider zoom and pan range.

In another alternative example, the child unit 22 can be provided withits own microprocessor and receiver and a receiver and the parent unit24 can be provided with a transmitter. User selections relevant to zoomand pan can be sent from the parent unit transmitter and received at thechild unit. The algorithm calculations can be performed by the childunit microprocessor. The manipulated image data can then be sent fromthe child unit transmitter, having already been processed by the childunit microprocessor, to the parent unit receiver for display on the LCDscreen. In a further example, a dedicated custom integrated circuit,such as a field-programmable gate array circuit (FPGA) or an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) could be employed in the parent unitor more likely in the child unit. The dedicated integrated circuit canelectronically control the camera and lens according to user input tomanipulate zoom and pan functions and/or to perform algorithmiccalculations on the image data to create zoom and pan effects on theinformation. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in theart, additional methods and mechanisms can be utilized to perform thezoom function of the invention.

In another aspect of the present invention, a combination of themicroprocessor 156, the display screen 104, and the multi-functionbutton arrangement 170 can be utilized to provide an on-screen displayfunction. The on-screen display can be programmed to permit adjusting,monitoring, and setting the various features, functions, and operationalparameters of the monitor system 20. In conventional monitor systems,the various features and functions are adjusted manually using buttonsand switches placed on the housing at various locations as noted above.The adjustments are made by any combination of sliding switches, pushingbuttons, listening to audible commands and indicators, and viewing thelight bar to make the appropriate selections and to set performanceparameters for the various features and functions. In the disclosedexample, the video screen 104 is utilized to assist in performing thesetasks by displaying various selectable features and functions on thescreen. The microprocessor 156 can be programmed to allow setting andcontrolling functions of the parent unit 24, to set up operationalparameters of the system 20, and/or to do the same for one or morefeatures and functions of the child unit 22.

One example of the on-screen display function of the present inventionis disclosed and described herein with respect to the previouslydiscussed zoom capability. As will be evident to those having ordinaryskill in the art, more than one function can be part of the on-screendisplay. Also, the monitor system functions that can benefit from theon-screen display feature can vary considerably. In general, the videoscreen can operate in a monitoring mode or in an on-screen display orfunctional mode. In the monitoring mode, the screen can display realtime images of those captured by the camera. In the on-screen mode, thescreen can at least display operational parameter information. Thescreen can also be configured to display both at the same time, withon-screen display information overlaid onto the real time image.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the LCD screen 104 can display status informationrelative to whether the parent unit 24 is in communication with thechild unit 22. With the screen turned on, the parent unit 24 can displayinformation indicating that it is trying to make a connection or issearching for a connection with the child unit 22. In this example,“searching” is displayed on the screen until the child unit 22 islocated. At that time a live video feed 180 as depicted generically inFIG. 11B will then appear on the LCD screen 104. Once the connection isestablished, the connection light 122 in the disclosed example willilluminate green indicating a good connection between the parent unit 24and the child unit 22.

In general, a user can use the OK button 172 in order to access anon-screen display menu 182 as shown in FIG. 11C for selecting functionsand features of the system 20 to adjust or set. Once the menu 182 isaccessed, the user can use the scroll UP/DOWN buttons 174 and 176 toscroll through the various menu choices. Upon landing on an appropriatedesired choice on the display screen, a user can press the OK button 172to make that selection. FIG. 11C illustrates one of many possibleexamples of a main on-screen display menu 182. In this example, theoptions ZOOM, ALARM, SETTINGS, EXIT are displayed on the main menu 182.

The user can use the scroll buttons 174 and 176 to land on ZOOM and thenthe OK button 172 to select the ZOOM option from the main menu. As shownin FIG. 11D, a ZOOM menu 184 will then appear on the LCD screen 104. Inthis example, the ZOOM menu 184 includes a ZOOM IN/MOVE option, a ZOOMOUT option, and a BACK option. A user can select any one of theseoptions using the scroll UP/DOWN buttons 174 and 176 as before. Asdepicted in FIG. 11E, if a user selects the ZOOM IN/MOVE option, a newimage can then appear on the on-screen display showing an array ofselectable pan regions 186 available to zoom in on. As before, once auser determines the particular pan region option, the user canmanipulate the scroll UP/DOWN buttons 174 or 176 select the option. Whenthe appropriate selection is made, the user can press the OK button 172to select that option. Once selected, a new screen as shown in FIG. 11Fcan appear with a ZOOM icon 187 that indicates to a user that the imageis larger or that the ZOOM feature is activated.

The ZOOM icon can either remain on the screen as the live video image180 reappears or can be hidden when the live video image 180 replacesthe on-screen display after a period of time. To change the ZOOMsetting, the user can press the OK button 172 to return to the main menu180. The user can then go through the steps of choosing from theon-screen display menu options as before.

In an alternate example, the real time video image can be continuouslydisplayed as background or in a portion of the screen along with thefunctional information of the on-screen display feature. The real timeimage can also change size, i.e., zoom, as a selection is made to let auser know which selection they have made and its affect on the image.The on-screen display information can also be overlaid directly on thereal time video image, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11B with the ZOOM icon187 appearing on the screen 104.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, thevariety of options and parameters available within the parent unitmicroprocessor can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit andscope of the present invention. Further, the information displayedon-screen can also vary considerably, depending upon the optionspresented and the features of the device. These features can include,but are certainly not limited to displaying the current time, settingthat current time, adjusting or setting brightness of the on-screendisplay, setting a video timer to turn the parent screen off and/or toturn off the screen on the child unit, changing language for the menu,adjusting sound volume from the parent unit speaker, and the like.

In an alternative example shown in FIG. 12, the on-screen display canwork in conjunction with one or more of the various buttons on theparent unit. For example, the user can depress one of the volume UP/DOWNbuttons 132 a or 132 b and a volume adjust image 188 can appear on theLCD screen 104. The user can adjust the volume using the side edgebuttons 132 a, 132 b or, alternatively, the scroll UP/DOWN buttons 174,176. In this example, a speaker icon 190 appears on the screen toindicate that one or more characteristics of the audio signals can nowbe adjusted. Such characteristics can include sound volume adjustmentfor the speaker, adjustment of a minimum decibel threshold for thesounds being monitored before the speaker emits any sound, or the like.In this example, a volume level bar 192 also appears in the on-screendisplay. The bar 192 can be used to indicate the adjustment level. Uponcompletion of adjusting the sound level, the caregiver can press the OKbutton 172 to return to the live video image 180. In another alternativeas shown in FIG. 11F, the on-screen display can be used to supplementother functions of the parent unit 24. In this example, a battery statusindicator 200 is provided that shows the battery charge level. This canbe used in place of or in conjunction with the battery charge levellight 126 previously described. Clearly other information can also bedisplayed with the on-screen display feature, if desired.

Use of the on-screen display feature on a baby monitor system 20 canreduce the number of switches, buttons, and devices on the parent andchild units, and particularly on the parent unit. It also can reduce thenumber of mechanical components provided inside the housing of the unitassociated with each of the buttons and switches. For example, in priorart devices volume control often requires a switch or roller-typepotentiometer, as does a brightness adjustment using the same type ofswitch. The features can be replaced by the on-screen display featureand the multi-function button arrangement 170 of the present invention.A channel selection switch is typically provided on a conventional unitto select among a plurality of available operation channels. In thedisclosed example, the on-screen display can be used in place of thetraditional, dedicated slide switch. The microprocessor 156 can beprogrammed to display the available channels and the multi-functionbutton arrangement 170 can be used to select the appropriate channel inplace of a conventional slide switch. Similarly, the on-screen displayfeature disclosed herein can be used in place of conventional buttonsfor turning the video screen on and off, if desired.

Conventional video baby monitor systems that are currently known use oneof several existing analog video formats. One such format is theNational Television Standard Committee (NTSC) analog video format.Overlaying text or images on top of the analog video image requiresadditional hardware. In the disclosed example, these problems areavoided by using digitally encoded audio and video transmission. Themicroprocessor 156 can format and modify the video before it is sent tothe screen and can be manipulated to select between showing the videoimage captured by the camera on the child unit or showing on-screendisplay menus and images. The transmitter 152 and receiver 154 in thedisclosed example thus can be digital devices or each unit can employ ananalog-to-digital converter to provide appropriate digital signalinformation.

Although certain video baby monitor systems, method, and devices havebeen described herein in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto.On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings ofthe disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissibleequivalents.

1. A video baby monitor system having a child unit and a receiver unit, the receiver unit comprising: a housing assembly with a first section having a viewing surface and a second section, the first and second sections being movable relative to one another between an open position exposing the viewing surface and a closed position where the second section covers the viewing surface; an attachment device configured for connection to the second section and further configured to allow the first section to be moved from the closed position to the open position while the receiver unit is worn by a user via the attachment device; and a video screen on the viewing surface of the first section, wherein the connection orients the housing assembly such that the video screen faces upward for viewing when the receiver unit is worn by the user via the attachment device with the first section in the open position.
 2. A video baby monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sections are pivotally connected to one another along a joint end of the housing assembly.
 3. A video baby monitor system according to claim 1, further comprising a speaker within a part of the housing assembly and a speaker opening positioned on an end surface of the housing assembly adjacent the speaker that is exposed in the closed position.
 4. A video baby monitor system according to claim 1, further comprising a light bar positioned on an end surface of the housing assembly and configured to illuminate in a manner representative of a characteristic of audio signals received by the parent unit, the light bar visible on the end surface with the housing assembly in the closed position.
 5. A video baby monitor system according to claim 1, further comprising a light positioned on an end surface of the housing assembly and that illuminates in a manner representative of a battery condition for batteries in the parent unit that provide power to operate the parent unit, the light visible on the end surface with the housing assembly in the closed position.
 6. A video baby monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the housing assembly has an end surface on an end opposite a joint end along which the first and second sections are connected, the end surface oriented facing upward and the joint end facing downward when the receiver unit is worn by the user via the attachment device.
 7. A video baby monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the attachment device is a belt clip with a clip part that opens facing in a downward direction opposite the upward direction that the video screen faces.
 8. A video baby monitor system according to claim 7, wherein the first and second sections are pivotally connected to one another along a joint end of the housing assembly, and wherein an end surface on an end of the housing opposite the joint end is oriented facing upward and the joint end is oriented facing downward in the direction that the clip part opens, wherein the first section can be pivoted outward to expose the video screen in an upward facing direction.
 9. A video baby monitor system according to claim 1, further comprising: a hinge pivotally connecting the first and second sections to one another along a joint end of the housing assembly; an end surface on an end of the housing assembly that is opposite the joint end; and a sound light bar, a battery status light, and a speaker opening positioned on the end surface, the end surface and the sound light bar, the battery stats light and the speaker each being exposed when the housing assembly is in the closed position.
 10. A video baby monitor system according to claim 1, wherein a transmitter of the child unit and the receiver of the parent unit are in direct communication with one another.
 11. A video baby monitor system comprising: a child unit having a video camera, a microphone, and a transmitter configured to transmit video signals representing images received from the camera and audio signals representing sound received from the microphone; and a parent unit having a housing and a receiver for receiving the video and audio signals, the housing having a screen section, a base section, and a video screen on the screen section, the screen and base sections coupled to one another at a joint end of the housing and movable relative to one another between a closed configuration covering the video screen and an open configuration exposing the video screen for viewing, wherein the housing has an end surface on an end that is positioned opposite the joint end on the housing, the end surface having a user interface light exposed and visible with the housing in the closed configuration.
 12. A video baby monitor system according to claim 11, further comprising: a light bar on the end surface and visible in the closed configuration, the light bar configured to illuminate to represent of a characteristic of the audio signals.
 13. A video baby monitor system according to claim 11, further comprising: a connection light on the end surface and visible in the closed configuration, the connection light configured to indicate whether the child unit and the parent unit are in communication with one another.
 14. A video baby monitor system according to claim 11, further comprising: a speaker within the housing and a speaker opening positioned on the end surface to emit sound emanating from the speaker representative of the received audio signals, the speaker opening being exposed in the closed configuration.
 15. A video baby monitor system according to claim 11, further comprising: a battery charge status light on the end surface and visible in the closed configuration, the battery charge status light configured to illuminate in a manner providing battery charge status information.
 16. A video baby monitor system according to claim 11, wherein the screen section is a flip section coupled to the base section along a hinge on one end of each section and pivotable about the hinge.
 17. A video baby monitor system according to claim 16, further comprising: an attachment device connected to the base section and having a jaw that opens downward, wherein the end surface is oriented facing in a direction that is opposite to the direction that the jaws opens.
 18. A video baby monitor system according to claim 17, wherein the flip section can be moved to the open configuration with the attachment device connected to a user, and wherein the video screen faces upward for viewing.
 19. A video baby monitor system according to claim 17, wherein the attachment device is a belt clip. 